Electrifying Germany's Rail Network: Falling Short of the Mark
The Status Quo: Overhead Lines and Diesel Locomotives
Expanded rail infrastructure: Anticipated installation of approximately 20 kilometers of new overhead lines by 2024 - New Overhead Line Development: Anticipated installation of approximately 20 kilometers by 2024 for rail network expansion.
Germany's rail network is lagging behind, with more than a third of its tracks still relying on diesel locomotives due to a lack of overhead lines. In 2023, a mere 45 kilometers of electrified tracks were added, compared to the goal of 62 percent electrical share. As per the Alliance pro Schiene and the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), the construction pace falls far short of the necessary speed [1].
Goals for 2035: 80% Electrified Tracks
The demand is clear: the German rail network should be 80% equipped with overhead lines by 2035. This would involve electrifying around 600 kilometers per year. To date, only 75 kilometers of overhead lines have been built annually in the state-owned railway network [1].
Factors Favoring Faster Expansion
Despite appearing slow, the speed of expansion may be set to increase. The incoming federal government acknowledges the issue, even if specific expansion targets for overhead lines are not explicitly outlined [1]. Additionally, financing will reportedly come from the government's Climate and Transformation Fund, amounting to significantly more money [1]. Combined, these factors could facilitate 8 times faster expansion than previously seen. Dirk Flege, CEO of the Alliance pro Schiene, emphasizes this potential [1].
Electrification for Military Transports
Electrifying railway connections to European neighbors is crucial, especially in light of the growing importance of military transports by rail. Currently, only 28 of 57 border crossings are equipped with overhead lines, with significant room for improvement at the borders with Poland and the Czech Republic [1].
The Role of Alternative Propulsion
The expansion of overhead lines is not solely focused on electrification. Alternative propulsion systems are being prioritized in certain regions, especially where full electrification is not immediately feasible. This involves both hydrogen and battery-electric trains [2][3][4].
- Politico EU (article)
- Deutsche Welle (article)
- Railtech (article)
- Scenius.de (article)
Enrichment: Technological Advances and Investments
Germany's new government aims to modernize the railways with a 500-billion-euro infrastructure and climate fund. The fund will support significant upgrades, electrification projects, and a shift to alternative propulsion technologies like hydrogen and battery-electric trains (for lines where full electrification is economically unviable) [1]. Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s main railway operator, has already claimed a large portion of this fund, indicating substantial financial support for rail infrastructure improvements.
Resources:
- Bloomberg (article)
- Railway Technology (article)
- DB Netz AG (report)
- Reuters (article)
- The community policy emphasizes the need for Germany's rail network to be 80% equipped with overhead lines by 2035, requiring an annual expansion of around 600 kilometers.
- Currently, the construction pace of overhead lines falls far short of the necessary speed, with only 75 kilometers of overhead lines built annually in the state-owned railway network.
- The incoming federal government acknowledges the issue and is expected to facilitate 8 times faster expansion, with financing coming from the government's Climate and Transformation Fund.
- Electrifying railway connections to European neighbors is crucial, especially for military transports by rail, where significant room for improvement is found at the borders with Poland and the Czech Republic.
- The expansion of overhead lines is not solely focused on electrification; alternative propulsion systems like hydrogen and battery-electric trains are being prioritized in certain regions.
- Climate-change and environmental science are integral to the industry, as Germany's new government aims to modernize the railways with substantial investments from a 500-billion-euro infrastructure and climate fund.
